Christmas Day 2013

This has been the year of the Santa hat for Sophie. She even wears it to bed.

 
As you might expect, Christmas morning began early, not too long after 6am.  First we had to check the cookies that were left out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

A photo, a note, 4 cookies, peanut butter pie, milk, and a banana for good measure

Sophie's smaller note says, among other things, "I hope you get me what I want"

Santa couldn't quite eat it all, but he did eat his banana!

We opened stockings and found cards, needed items like toothpaste and deodorant, books, winter attire, fancy flashlights, and lots of candy.

Hannah with her stocking loot

Sophie showing off her Carmex lip medicine

They both got warm winter hoodies that can be worn multiple ways

Dad got his usual chocolate covered cherries, of course

After opening stockings we wanted to eat breakfast before diving in to the gifts under the tree.  Some of us felt that it took too long for the homemade cinnamon buns to bake.  While waiting some slept and some bounced off the walls.  I'll let you figure out which was which.

Oops, I might have given it away!

Next we opened our other gifts.  Charles got some new boots, a work light for his basement construction projects, and information on getting a back-up key for his new Prius.  The Prius is his primary gift for this year.  Randa got a new water heater (several weeks ago), some very comfy pajamas with skulls on them, a movie, and some fuzzy socks from the girls.  Hannah got some good winter gloves, and Sophie got some cooking items that she had been wanting.  They both got fuzzy socks they had been wanting, but the most exciting gifts are pictured below.

Mini American Girl dolls: Marie Grace and Rebecca

A Chromebook to share

They got the Chromebook because they've been asking more and more frequently to use mom's computer for schoolwork.  They use Chromebooks at school, so we thought that would be a good affordable option.  They also got another desk so that they can each have their own space to work at.  Then we spent a good portion of the rest of the day rearranging the library to accommodate the desks as well as Randa's new sewing table.  See the results below:

I like the new arrangement a lot

Sophie invited Grandma and Grandpa for a Christmas Party from 1-3pm.  So they came down after lunch to see the new gifts, read Christmas stories, and play some games.  After that they went to close up the cabin while we had a Christmas dinner of Shake-n-Bake chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.

One of the highlights of this Christmas, for me, was feeling like everything was "just right." We didn't have so many gifts that it felt overwhelming, and the girls are actually able to play with and appreciate the gifts they received.  Since Christmas they've been busy making clothes and pillows and blankets for their new dolls, and the Chromebook has been a big hit as well (which they actually haven't fought over too much so far).  They've also had fun arranging their new desk spaces and feeling quite grown up in the process.

Hope your Christmas has been as merry and joyous as ours!

All lit up on Christmas morning